jobBest Start Inclusion Co-ordinator

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council; Lapal; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Leasowes Nature Reserve in Lapal, West Midlands, seeks a Warden to manage, enhance and protect ecological value and historic features while ensuring a welcoming space for visitors. You will work with volunteers, schools and contractors to deliver conservation, education and engagement activities and supervise junior staff.

You will have practical countryside management experience, strong people skills and a proactive, hands-on attitude to problem-solving. A full driving license is required.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in countryside or conservation management.
• Strong communication and people skills.
• Proactive, hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Commitment to health & safety, equality and safeguarding.
• Full driving license with access to a vehicle for business use.

Responsibilities

• Carry out habitat management and site maintenance.
• Support and supervise volunteers and junior staff.
• Coordinate educational visits and community events.
• Monitor wildlife and visitor satisfaction.
• Promote the site's heritage and biodiversity to the public.
• Patrol the site and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.
• Deputise for the Senior Countryside Warden when required.

Skills

Countryside management

People skills

Problem solving

Health & safety

Driving license

Job description

As a Warden, you'll play a key role in managing, enhancing and protecting the ecological value and historic features of The Leasowes, while ensuring it remains a welcoming and safe space for visitors. You'll work closely with volunteers, community groups, schools and contractors to deliver practical conservation, education and engagement activities. You'll also:

• Carry out habitat management and site maintenance.
• Support and supervise volunteers and junior staff.
• Coordinate educational visits and community events.
• Monitor wildlife and visitor satisfaction.
• Promote the site's heritage and biodiversity to the public.
• Patrol the site and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.
• Deputise for the Senior Countryside Warden when required.

Are you passionate about nature conservation, heritage and helping people enjoy nature?

Do you want to make a real difference at one of the West Midlands' most treasured landscapes?, We're seeking someone with:

• Practical experience in countryside or conservation management.
• Strong communication and people skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• A commitment to health & safety, equality, and safeguarding.
• A full driving license and access to a vehicle with business use insurance.

Leasowes Nature Reserve is one of the most important and celebrated landscapes in the West Midlands. Recognised internationally as one of England's earliest and finest examples of the 'Picturesque' landscape movement, the site was created in the 18th century by the poet and landscape designer William Shenstone. Its unique combination of historic features, ornamental water bodies, woodland, meadows and carefully designed vistas continues to attract visitors and conservation professionals alike.

The reserve is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognising its significant ecological value. The site supports a diverse range of flora and fauna and plays a vital role in nature recovery, biodiversity enhancement, environmental education and public engagement.

About Dudley Council

It's an incredibly exciting time to work in Dudley Council as we embark on numerous multi-million pound regeneration schemes which will be real game-changers for the borough. In addition to the exciting schemes such as the Midland Metro we also have the ongoing and very serious challenges of ensuring vulnerable people across the borough receive the services they deserve. We are rightly proud to be the historic capital of the Black Country and, working with our partners, Dudley Council is also committed to looking forward and helping to deliver our borough vision of 'Forge a Future for all'. We ensure communities influence council decisions and are committed to delivering services in partnership with communities. We provide flexible and responsive service in partnership and help communities help themselves. In joining a local authority that serves 320,000 residents you will become an integral part of a council that:

• is ready to embrace change, providing an environment in which you will be encouraged to make your mark
• is aware of its key challenges and the need for a new energy to innovate the council, in order to find cost effective ways of delivering services
• has aligned its political and managerial leadership structures and is committed to protecting, securing and transforming the lives of children, families, the vulnerable and older people
• wants borough residents to have their say through our community forums
• dedicates time to meaningful consultation and listen to the views of our residents
• is working with the community to encourage active involvement of our residents